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Sunday, 28 October 2012

Hello there and welcome to another edition of TLFG, I hope you've had a good week.

My football watching over the last seven days has seen me take in another two QPR games, for my sins.

First up was the 1-1 draw with Everton at Loftus Road last Sunday which we were unlucky not to win, especially after the sending off of Steven Pienaar, and then the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

I'd never been to the Emirates before - tickets are rarely on general sale and are often quite expensive so for neutrals it can be difficult.

However, yesterday I managed to land or should I say earn a free ticket.

As long-term readers of this blog will know, I've been involved with arranging an annual sponsored walk from Loftus Road to one of QPR's away games for several years now.

After three previous strolls to Crystal Palace, Watford and Tottenham Hotspur, this year we decided to head to Arsenal.

We do it to raise funds for QPR's team for children with Down's syndrome - the Tiger Cubs. The money has seen the club expand fairly rapidly with more sessions at more venues. It has also allowed the introduction of other sports and activities which the children have enjoyed.

Members of our hardy group arrive at the Emirates Stadium

Now you might not think a walk from Shepherd's Bush to Highbury is that strenuous and compared to our previous events it was definitely the shortest. We did, however, decide to take the 'pretty route' and added several more miles than necessary to make it worthwhile and squeeze in a few good photo opportunities.

After leaving the bright lights of Westfield behind, we headed through leafy Holland Park and then down towards the museum district in South Kensington.

Our first major checkpoint was the Royal Albert Hall where we were met by our support car and club mascot Spark, a tiger.

After posing for a few photos and watching Spark wave at a few bemused tourists and shake hands with some delighted small children, we began our trek north through Hyde Park and Regent's Park.

Another photo and pit stop ensued outside London Zoo with similar consequences before the route took the walkers along the Regent's Canal to Caledonian Road where there was a brief break for refreshment.

From there it was about a two-mile walk to the stadium which saw us arrive with only about 20 minutes or so to spare before kick-off.

The stadium itself is one of the best I've been to in the world and I'd heartily recommend a visit.

QPR's Esteban Granero sees his injury-time free-kick tipped to safety

Sadly QPR lost again despite a spirited performance but the overall aims of the day by the roughly 30 walkers were met. If you have any spare cash and feel kind enough to donate to this cause I'd really appreciate it.

If you're reading this and feel inspired to do something similar at your club, I really strongly encourage you to do so. The camaraderie throughout and various other rewards have been great. If you support a Premier League or Football League club, get in touch with their community department and see what you can arrange.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Over the next seven days there are nearly 80 matches happening in the London area. Aside from all the normal league action, which includes a number of derbies, we've also got FA Cup and FA Trophy matches to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Here's a list of few games that I think could be worth watching in the week ahead:

TLFG TOP 10

CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED (Wednesday 31 October, 745pm)

At the time of writing these two are just hours away from meeting in Sunday afternoon's televised Premier League game at Stamford Bridge. Just three days later they are set to do it all over again in the League Cup. There is talk of several key players being rested for this one so it won't be seen as quite as important as the previous meeting. Despite this, the match has sold out so the atmosphere should still be good. Over the last five seasons, United have won this competition twice while Chelsea have only made the final once (losing to Spurs). The Blues' last win came in 2007 when they beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium. In case of returns or for ticket exchange details check the latest TICKET INFO

QUEENS PARK RANGERS v READING (Sunday 4 November, 130pm)

To a neutral looking at the Premier League table this might not look like the most appetising of fixtures. However, I would recommend it as it is of huge significance to both clubs. With both currently in the bottom three, we've got an early season 'six-pointer' so there's plenty to play for. It's also a derby, particularly from the point of view of the visitors for whom QPR are their nearest league opponents. Add to that the fact they both play in blue and white hoops and argue over who has more right to wear them and we should have a pretty decent game on our hands. The last meeting between the two clubs a few weeks ago in the League Cup produced a 3-2 win for the Royals - it included a number of cracking goals and a penalty save. Persuaded by my case? Then get yourself down to Loftus Road on Sunday. TICKET INFO

CRYSTAL PALACE v BLACKBURN ROVERS (Saturday 3 November, 3pm)

There are a number of tidy looking games in the Championship this week but this one really stands out for me at it pits fourth against fifth. Both teams have seen their managers depart recently. For Rovers, Steve Kean's dismissal had been on the cards almost since his appointment. Dougie Freedman's departure from Palace earlier this week though came as blow for the Eagles who saw him headhunted by Bolton Wanderers. The caretaker manager situation didn't seem to both either club on Saturday though as they both picked up wins - Palace sensationally ended the then league leaders Leicester City's 100% home record while Blackburn saw off Watford with a solitary goal at Ewood Park. For me, Palace must start this one as favourites. TICKET INFO

BARNET v OXFORD UNITED (Saturday 3 November, 3pm)

After the excitement of last Sunday's FA Cup draw, the First Round proper arrives this weekend with only three ties in London all of which will feature here. The first sees an all League Two encounter at Underhill. The Bees have made a lot of headlines recently after appointing former Dutch international Edgar Davids as co-head coach. Apart from a dismal display against Plymouth the day after, they've now gone on a three-game unbeaten run which includes their 1-0 win at Chesterfield on Saturday. Although they remain bottom, they're only a win away from climbing out of the relegation zone. Former top flight club Oxford have been thoroughly inconsistent this season, winning a few and losing a few and consequently have drifted around midtable. If you're only in London for a short while, this is Barnet's last season at Underhill so this could be your last chance to visit it. TICKET INFO

BOREHAM WOOD v BRENTFORD (Saturday 3 November, 2pm)

If I wasn't working on Saturday this would definitely be the match I would try and see. Just up the road from Barnet, this part of north London is the place to be for FA Cup football that day. When the draw was made, Boreham Wood had yet to play their fourth qualifying round tie against Hayes & Yeading United so whoever won, League One Brentford were going to end up with a derby match. To me, Hayes v Brentford would've been preferable as they are closer but the Wood are currently the more likely, on paper, to be able to win. The hosts are currently second in the Conference South and are unbeaten in seven. The Bees, on the other hand, have only gone two without loss but did manage to beat former Premier League side Coventry City on Tuesday night. Brentford are of course the favourites but they'll be cautious after being knocked out by non-league Wrexham last year. TICKET INFO

METROPOLITAN POLICE v CRAWLEY TOWN (Saturday 3 November, 3pm)

This tie is a strange one as its a little difficult to get excited about. Metropolitan Police FC was originally founded as a side for serving officers, at some point this changed and now any player can turn out for the Isthmian League outfit. There are efforts being made to turn it into more of a 'community club' but residents from the Thames Ditton and Hampton Court area have yet to catch the bug with crowds among the lowest in the Premier Division. The draw of League One high flyers Crawley should prove attractive though with tickets likely to be reasonably easy to come by. Four divisions separate these two, so the Sussex side should canter to victory. TICKET INFO

AFC HORNCHURCH v CHELMSFORD CITY (Tuesday 30 October, 745pm)

Aside from West Ham United v Manchester City, arguably the biggest match of the week on the east side of town is this one on Tuesday night. Two of Essex's finest go head-to-head at Bridge Avenue in this Conference South fixture. The Urchins are new at this level after winning promotion via the play-offs from the Isthmian League a few months ago and have found the initial going tough, sitting just a point above the relegation zone after 14 matches. Chelmsford, by contrast, have become regular challengers for promotion and are right in amongst it again this time round. City start the game in better form but derby conditions could ensure that counts for nothing. TICKET INFO

THURROCK v EAST THURROCK UNITED (Tuesday 30 October, 745pm)

Elsewhere in Essex the same night we've got another derby between these two Isthmian League clubs in an FA Trophy replay. After drawing 1-1 on Saturday, these two must do it all again on Tuesday. The hosts are currently struggling at the bottom of the Premier Division but are capable of good football, as I witnessed on Non-League Day at Wealdstone, so a victory for them shouldn't be ruled out. TICKET INFO

WEALDSTONE v HAMPTON & RICHMOND BORO (Monday 29 October, 745pm)

Arguably the game of the week in the Isthmian League takes place at Grosvenor Vale on Monday. The Stones made the play-offs last season and look all set to repeat the feat this time round. Although they're only sixth at the moment, they have a game or two in hand on their main rivals. That's not the case though when it comes to Hampton who have played the same amount of games and are one point clear at the top, five ahead of Wealdstone. It looks like a cracking game on paper and should produce a decent size crowd despite being played in midweek. Don't forget, if you're a Premier League or Football League season-ticket holder you'll get in for half-price (£5). TICKET INFO

COLLIERS WOOD UTD v RAYNES PARK VALE (Wednesday 31 October, 730pm)

For fans of Step 5/Level 9 football I've decided to plump for the 'A3 derby' between these two south-west London rivals from the Combined Counties League. The sides are well matched with neither having had a great start to the season. Having watched Vale try and play football and attack on a heavy pitch last weekend, I know they're capable of entertaining. Give it a go if you're in the area. TICKET INFO

Also this week I'd like to give a quick mention to Harrow Borough who are offering FREE ENTRY to their friendly against Potters Bar Town on Monday 29 October at 745pm.

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Sunday, 21 October 2012

Thanks to Non-League Day, this blog has received a big boost in traffic over the last few days so if you're new here welcome aboard and thanks for taking the time to read.

After several weeks of a less than full service, mainly because of time constraints, I've managed to produce a full post with a bit of personal match experience, ticket news, match map and TLFG Top 10 which I hope you will find useful.

With QPR not playing until Sunday afternoon, I had the chance to do a bit of groundhopping on Saturday and visit a club I'd never been to before.

After some indecision, I decided quite late in the day to go to Combined Counties Premier Division side Raynes Park Vale.

I'd rattled through the Raynes Park area on trains for many years and seen the floodlights of the ground above the houses but had always had something better to do like visit relatives or go and watch Kingstonian a little further down the line.

If you don't know the area it's in south-west London, not far from Wimbledon, where the average property price is about £540,000 ($865,000) so it's not too shabby.

The club itself is very easy to get to being only a 5-10 minute stroll south of the station which has frequent services from Waterloo.

The leafy entrance to the ground at Grand Drive

Given the almost constant rain on Friday, I was a little concerned the game might be off given the dirt track leading to the entrance was well... rather dirty.

A look over the perimeter fence though showed various signs of life, much to my relief.

Rather disconcertingly though, as I rounded the bend into the car park I was greeted by the sight of a police car surrounded by three officers one of whom was carrying a baseball bat!

I asked no questions, kept my head down, paid my £6 admission and went inside. On listening to a club regular's phone conversation at half-time it appeared there had been some trouble before the game when an individual had turned up with said bat and 'pepper spray' and had made his presence felt.

I'm not sure of any more of the details so don't want to speculate but it was a dramatic way to start a Combined Counties match and one I can assure you never normally happens!

The visitors on Saturday were Molesey, a club located six miles to the west which meant this could probably be classed as a derby.

In fact, this part of south-west London is a real hot bed of clubs with Combined Counties, Isthmian and Football League teams dotted all over meaning a derby is never far away.

The league table made the Moles favourites but the hosts started well and spent most of the first 20 minutes on the attack. So it was a bit of a surprise when they fell behind shortly after this.

Not to be outdone, Raynes Park raised their game and deservedly levelled four minutes later but they were left on the backfoot again when Molesey restored their lead on 31 minutes with another headed goal from close range.

The pivotal moment of the game occurred just after half-time when Vale were awarded a penalty only to see Wester Young pull off a fine save to keep the visitors in front (see clip below).

From then on a combination of bad back passes, poor defending and some fine football saw Molesey rack up another four goals as they strolled into a slightly flattering 6-1 lead.

Vale did deserve to be behind but not by such a margin. It seemed as if the referee wanted to give them every chance of reducing the deficit by playing an inexplicable nine minutes of injury time but there were no further goals.

Watching Raynes Park Vale isn't for purists - the ground is run down and rough round the edges. It's not quite got to Old Spotted Dog standards but it's not far off. There isn't any noticeable way of getting refreshments inside the ground - a visit to the clubhouse outside it is required.

For the rest of us it's great. Easy to get to, cheap to get in and a side that tried to attack.

I'm off to QPR v Everton a little later. Rangers are badly in need of a win, I just hope we get it today.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Over the next seven days there are more than 80 matches happening in the London area. Aside from all the normal league action, which includes a number of derbies, we've also got Champions League, FA Cup and FA Trophy matches to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Here's a list of few games that I think could be worth watching in the week ahead:

TLFG TOP 10

ARSENAL v SCHALKE 04 (Wednesday 24 October, 745pm)

We kick-off this week with a bit of Champions League action. The Gunners have made a fine start to their European campaign with two wins out of two to sit top of the group, two points ahead of their German opponents. Domestically, however, Schalke are in better shape than Arsenal and come into this match on the back of a superb 2-1 away win at reigning league champions Borussia Dortmund. In contrast to this, the north London side suffered a very disappointing Premier League reverse at struggling Norwich on Saturday so this one is tough to call. I went to see these two play at Highbury in a similar fixture shortly after 9/11 and enjoyed a very entertaining 3-2 win for the hosts, we could see more of the same. TICKET INFO

CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED (Sunday 28 October, 4pm)

Undoubtedly the match of the week domestically takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. The Blues have begun their Premier League campaign in impressive fashion with, ironically, only bottom club QPR having taken any points off them (0-0 at Loftus Road) in their opening eight games. This run has left them four points clear at the top ahead of Manchester United. Both sides recorded 4-2 wins on Saturday, although Chelsea's win at Tottenham was the more impressive. Another possible factor to consider ahead of this one is the two clubs' midweek Champions League commitments - United host Braga in what appears to be a home banker while Chelsea have to travel to Shakhtar Donetsk in the far east of Ukraine for a much tougher challenge. Last season this fixture produced a 3-3 draw which doesn't look beyond the bounds of possibility here. TICKET INFO

MILLWALL v HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (Saturday 27 October, 3pm)

This week looks like being a big one for the Lions. After drawing 2-2 at local rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday, the Bermondsey club find themselves only three points above the Championship relegation zone. On Tuesday they host fellow strugglers Birmingham City before title contenders Huddersfield arrive at The Den on Saturday. Simon Grayson's Terriers have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far having won promotion from League One last season via the play-offs. Despite selling star striker Jordan Rhodes to Blackburn Rovers they have continued to win with Wolves becoming their latest victims on Saturday. It looks tough for Millwall but it's not beyond them. TICKET INFO

AFC WIMBLEDON v GILLINGHAM (Saturday 27 October, 3pm)

Dons fans knew this season was going to be tough and so it has proved with only three wins from their opening 13 league games, a run which has left them one place above the relegation zone. An important match against Bristol Rovers, who have also started poorly, is followed by the visit of the League Two leaders Gillingham. The Kent club have won 10 of their matches and are unbeaten away from home. It doesn't look good for Wimbledon going into this one but, as above, it's a fine chance for neutrals to check out one of the best teams in the division. TICKET INFO

DARTFORD v FOREST GREEN ROVERS (Tuesday 23 October, 745pm)

The Darts were one of the bookies' pre-season favourites for relegation from the Conference but they've confounded them with a fine string of performances which have left them one point and one place off a play-off spot, just behind Tuesday's opponents Forest Green. This match, however, is in the FA Cup and is a replay after the sides drew 1-1 on Saturday. If you didn't know, we've reached the fourth qualifying round which means the winners will get a prestigious and lucrative home tie against League Two high flyers Port Vale in the next round. Two even teams, loads at stake - a top night out in my book. TICKET INFO

STAINES TOWN v TRURO CITY (Tuesday 23 October, 745pm)

On paper this isn't one of the stand-out games of the week but I've gone for it because of the drama that has surrounded Truro this season and particularly over the last few days. For various financial reasons, the Cornish club looked set to be thrown out of the Conference South on Friday. Deadlines came and went, bonds weren't secured and it looked bleak. Then some local businessmen got involved and suddenly everything's back to 'normal'. Sadly this wasn't done in time to save their match at Eastleigh on Saturday but it was done in time for this one to go ahead. Formwise Staines should win having enjoyed back-to-back wins over AFC Hornchurch and Sutton United to move up to eighth. Truro are bottom having lost four of their last last five. TICKET INFO

CRAY WANDERERS v ARLESEY TOWN (Sunday 28 October, 3pm)

If you can't get or don't want a ticket for Chelsea v Man Utd, there are other alternatives on Sunday including this FA Trophy tie at Hayes Lane. With landlords Bromley hosting Conference South leaders Salisbury City on Saturday, Cray have had to move this match to the following day to the benefit of football addicts all over town. Despite being without a ground of their own, Cray are usually always in the hunt for an Isthmian League Premier Division play-off place and they are in with a shout again this season. Consecutive away league wins over Enfield Town and Concord Rangers have lifted them into the top 10 so their form is good. Arlesey on the other hand, play in the parallel Southern League Premier Division and are in a pretty similar position although they have games in hand on most teams above them. This looks like a fine way to spend the first afternoon of winter (the clocks change the night before). TICKET INFO

WINGATE & FINCHLEY v HITCHIN TOWN (Saturday 27 October, 3pm)

Isthmian Premier side Wingate were one of the winners on Non-League Day last weekend, at least financially, courtesy of their 'pay what you want' promotion which went down very well with the local football watching public. Sadly for them they could only produce a 0-0 draw with Concord and since then have lost on their travels to Thurrock, in the cup, and Lewes. They will hope for better in this FA Trophy game against Southern Premier side Hitchin who like them are drifting around midtable at present. The visitors' form is better having won two of their last three but they came unstuck at Weymouth on Saturday by three goals to two. Another even game on paper but I've got a feeling Hitchin might edge this. TICKET INFO

UXBRIDGE v CANVEY ISLAND (Saturday 27 October, 3pm)

It's Southern League versus Isthmian League at Honeycroft too in another FA Trophy tie. This time, however, the hosts play at a level below their guests. Uxbridge had a fine 2011-12 campaign, finishing fourth to claim a play-off spot. Sadly it didn't go any further and they are back in Division One Central again this season. They have made a satisfactory start having won five of their 10 league fixtures to sit four points off the all-important fifth spot. Canvey, on the other hand, are in a very similar position to Cray and often produce tough sides that have a chance of doing well. Only one defeat in seven and nine goals in their last two games means the Essex club are without doubt the favourites. CLUB INFO

WEMBLEY v GUERNSEY (Saturday 27 October, 3pm)

Last up this week is the visit of Combined Counties League title contenders Guernsey to Wembley. By coincidence, the last time I watched the Green Lions was on the corresponding weekend last year when they won at Bedfont Sports, a team they would later be promoted with. The first team from the Channel Islands to have ever entered the national league system played some fine football and entertained a healthy crowd. Since going up a level they've picked up where they left off and seem on course for another promotion. Although it's not as one-sided as last year, you feel current leaders Egham Town are only there until Guernsey start playing some of their three games in hand which should give them the three points they need to topple them. Wembley have enjoyed a lot of publicity this season because of their FA Cup 'exploits' and are solidly in midtable but they'll do well to get anything out of this. CLUB INFO

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Sunday, 14 October 2012

When not doing ludicrously early shifts in my new job, I've been ploughing all my spare time into making sure Non-League Day (NLD) went well.

After all the preparation, Saturday arrived and with it another early start and an appearance on BBC 5 live's Breakfast programme.

With that done and a little breakfast of my own inside me, I kicked off the NLD social media build-up at 7am from my kitchen table where I sat 'Tweeting' and 'Facebooking' for most of the next six hours. At one point, mid-morning, we managed to get #nonleagueday to trend alongside 'Rick Astley' (the true King of Pop in my opinion) and #NoBraDay or something to that effect.

While doing this, talkSPORT gave us superb support over the airwaves as Mark Saggers and Micky Quinn gave us frequent mentions throughout their show.

On satellite TV, Sky Sports News were live at Bromley as they prepared for their big derby against Welling United and over on sister channel Sky Sports 2, Soccer AM made a trip to Woking in a nod to NLD. Finally there was also a mention of NLD on Football Focus which was supported by features on Newport County and Forest Green Rovers.

Things went rather well!

With that all out of the way, it was time to get ready to go to a match. But the question was - which one?

A while ago I had decided to go to Southern League side Ashford Town (Middlesex) who had decided to offer free admission to all Premier and Football League season-ticket holders like myself.

However, emergency repairs to the railway going in that direction made that journey look problematic.

I then toyed with the idea of heading up to north London to join my NLD colleagues at Wingate & Finchley but planned engineering works had shut the Northern Line and London Overground so that was out.

In the end I decided to join a friend at Wealdstone for their Isthmian League match against Thurrock.

As a follower of Harrow Borough, their arch rivals, this wasn't an easy decision but the Stones always support NLD and go to great efforts to bring new fans in.

With the Stones in the leading pack and Thurrock propping up the table, a home win looked certain but that's not what happened.

The Essex club broke the deadlock midway through the first half and were only pegged back shortly before the interval.

They seemed to be containing Wealdstone well until one of their defenders scored a fine own goal and it looked like being decisive until some poor defending allowed them to sneak a late equaliser and earn a 2-2 draw.

So a decent game but the best was yet to come from an NLD point of view when the announcer declared a crowd of 703.

Now you might not think that sounds a lot but it was about 300 more than Wealdstone's average and over 200 more than their previous season's best! Not bad for the visit of the bottom club who brought about 10-20 supporters of their own.

From that point, good news stories kept appearing on my phone's Twitter app as it appeared that NLD 3 had succeeded in a way that none of the team could have envisaged.

On getting home I did further interviews with the Non-League Paper and talkSPORT summarising the achievements of the day.

A bit of very basic number crunching showed me that 70% of games across Steps 1-4 (about 130) had crowds in excess of the season's average. Several sides posted season's bests, with AFC Fylde setting a new stadium record for the visit of FC United of Manchester.

The biggest crowd of the day in London came at Bromley for their aforementioned derby with Welling where 1,334 turned out, which was around 800 more than their average - a truly massive increase.

To all those that helped out with NLD (the team, those of you who put banners on your sites, those who tweeted or contributed in any way) I thank you. An event like this can only succeed when people pull together an give their time and effort for free.

NLD 4 now looks a certainty - whether we go for 7 September or 12 October 2013 depends on what FA competition is happening on the day so we'll decide when the dates come out.

Today has been spent recovering and entertaining relatives hence the later than normal publication of this. It will also be abridged AGAIN because of this - apologies.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

There are also a couple of great deals in the Championship this week with Charlton Athletic charging only £5 for their match against Barnsley on Saturday and Watford only £10 for adults and £1 for kids for the visit of Peterborough United the same day.

This week there are over 70 matches taking place in London including some big derbies and a few ties in the crucial 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

Sunday, 7 October 2012

Not only is it the first anniversary of this blog but it's the last edition before Non-League Day 2012 which I and a small group of very dedicated volunteers have been working towards all year. Consequently this entry will be completely dedicated to it.

If you've missed the previous two events, we schedule the day to coincide with an international break so that there are no Premier League or Championship matches. We then attempt to get fans of those clubs, and anyone else interested, to go and experience a match at their local non-league club instead.

The requests for interviews, press releases and general info about the day are starting to come in thick and fast and our Twitter account is really starting to buzz. Last year we managed to get #nonleagueday to the top of the site's trending chart on the morning and hopefully we'll repeat that this time given we have many more followers.

News of special offers and events from clubs all over the country are also finding their way to us and if you think we've missed any please let us know. Some of them have been really inventive with free admission for people in fancy dress and 5-a-side football tournaments which entitle the players to free entry.

IT'S ALMOST HERE!!!

There are also lots of charity events going on at games as clubs try to make the most of the day. Our official charity the 'Free Kicks Foundation' are being particularly active so give their site a look to find out what they're up to.

Ultimately Non-League Day is a fans' movement which has no budget so everything we achieve is purely down to word of mouth, the goodwill of influential individuals and hard work!

With only six days to go, and if you haven't already, we need you to get involved by helping to spread the word with the odd tweet, message on Facebook or just by telling your friends.

If you have time we'd also like you to contact media outlets, local or regional, if you think they might have missed it. The more noise we make as fans, the more likely they are to listen.

Lastly if you've got your own blog or website, we'd really appreciate it if you could add one of our banners to it. Thanks a lot if you can help in any way.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Despite there being no Premier League or Championship football all week, there's still the best part of 80 games in London over the next seven days. The vast majority are on Non-League Day but if you can't make a game then, there are also several to choose from during the week.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Instead of doing the normal TLFG Top 10, I'm going to alphabetically list all those clubs in the London area who I'm aware are offering some kind of special deal to attract new spectators to their grounds. Others may materialise during the week or I may have missed them - if so I will add them so keep checking for updates.

NON-LEAGUE DAY SPECIAL DEALS

(ALL KICK-OFF AT 3PM ON 13/10/12 UNLESS STATED)

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX)

We kick-off this section with one of the best deals on offer at any ground in the London area as Southern League club Ashford invite season-ticket holders at all Premier and Football League clubs to come and watch their game against Biggleswade Town FOR FREE. Just turn up at the turnstile with your season ticket and you're in for absolutely nothing. Located just to the south of Heathrow airport I hear nothing but praise for the way this club is run. If you're in the area I urge you to go and give them a cheer as they look to keep up with the pace in the race for a play-off spot. DEAL INFO

AVELEY & ROMFORD

Don't worry, these two neighbouring clubs haven't merged! They have, however, come together to arrange a mini ground hop over on the east side of the capital. The two Isthmian League Division One North sides currently play just down the road from each other meaning you can go to watch Aveley at 1pm and then nip across to Romford at 3pm. To mark Non-League Day the clubs are offering a special two-game ticket for just £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Romford are also raising funds for Great Ormond Street Childrens' Hospital and are giving away t-shirts. AVELEY INFOROMFORD INFO

BROMLEY

Conference South club Bromley are the highest ranked non-league side in the capital to be hosting a match on NLD and what a cracker it looks like being as Welling United visit for this south-east London derby. To mark the day, the club are offering half-price admission to ALL SUPPORTERS (Adults £6, Seniors £3, Students £2.50, U16s £1) if you arrive before 2pm. Not only that but inclusion and equality group 'Kick It Out' will be playing a big part in the proceedings. Supporters who do come early will also be able to enjoy cheap food and drink deals in the clubhouse. DEAL INFO

CARSHALTON ATHLETIC

Isthmian League Premier Division club Carshalton are another club to be offering FREE ADMISSION to season-ticket holders of Premier and Football League clubs. They are also extending the deal to season-ticket holders of Conference National clubs. The Robins aren't having a great season but will fancy their chances of beating midtable Hastings United who provide the opposition on NLD. Located in south London, this is an ideal option for Crystal Palace fans and anyone in the Croydon area. DEAL INFO

ENFIELD TOWN

Another Isthmian Premier club to be getting fully involved are Enfield Town. Run by a supporters trust and in their new stadium for less than a year, they are offering half-price admission to ALL SUPPORTERS for the visit of Cray Wanderers. This means you can get in for just £5 as and adult, with accompanied kids getting in for FREE or £1 if not. The Towners have good links with Tottenham Hotspur, who sent a team to officially open their ground, so if you support Spurs this could be the game for you. DEAL INFO

FISHER

Always big supporters of Non-League Day, the Fish are offering deals to entice new people to Champion Hill for their Kent League match against Corinthian. In recent years the club have built strong ties with near neighbours Millwall and are offering half-price admission to their season-ticket holders. The same deal is also being extended to members of any other supporters trust club (like Fisher) and Olympic and Paralympic Games Makers. DEAL INFO

HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH

Regularly mentioned as being one of the best non-league grounds in the country to visit, Hampton are backing the day by offering half-price admission to all Premier and Football League season-ticket holders. They are also offering FREE ENTRY to a number of local community groups. Apart from that they are also playing Whitehawk who, like Hampton, are one of five teams who currently top the Isthmian Premier so it looks like being a corker of a game too. DEAL INFO

HENDON

The Greens are offering half-price admission to Premier/Football/Scottish League season-ticket holders, a deal they operate for every home league game. However, to mark Non-League Day they are also running a 5-a-side tournament at 11am at a sports centre next to their ground. If you enter, every player in your team will get FREE ENTRY to Hendon's Isthmian Premier game against Leiston later in the day. If you live in north-west London, Hendon could really do with your support as they are without a ground of their own (they share with Wembley FC) and are run by a hardworking supporters trust who are getting short of funds. DEAL INFO

NORTHWOOD

Another Southern League side offering FREE ENTRY to Premier and Football League season-ticket holders are Northwood. Not far from Watford, this could be a great option for fans of the Hornets. They welcome Woodford United to Northwood Park and will be looking to win as they try and emulate last season's efforts which saw them just miss out on the play-offs. DEAL INFO

THAMESMEAD TOWN

Located in south-east London not far from banks of the river Thames, this could be an ideal destination for Charlton Athletic season-ticket holders who find themselves at a loose end of Non-League Day. They and all other Premier and Football League season-ticket holders will get in for a reduced rate of £5 adults, £3 OAPs and FREE for accompanied U16s (£1 if not). The club welcome local rivals Redbridge from the other side of the river for an Isthmian League Division One North fixture. DEAL INFO

UXBRIDGE

There's going to be quite a bit of competition for Premier League and Football League supporters on Saturday over on the west side of town as Uxbridge have decided to match near neighbours Ashford and Nrthwood in offering FREE ADMISSIONto season-ticket holders from the big clubs. Both clubs play in the same division of the Southern League and are located either side of Heathrow airport so there's very little to choose between them. There will be a bit more of derby feel to this game though as Chertsey Town provide the opposition. I expect to see a few Chelsea and QPR fans at this one. DEAL INFO

WEALDSTONE

The Stones are one of the few clubs around the country who have been lucky enough to have been at home on all three editions of Non-League Day. They definitely deserve it, having been big supporters of the event since the start and have always enjoyed good attendances as a result. This year they've come up trumps again with half-price admission for all Premier/Football League season-ticket holders and FREE ENTRY for U16s. The Ruislip club are also one of the best sides in the Isthmian Premier and are only two points off top spot meaning a win here against struggling Thurrock could put them right up among the front runners. DEAL INFO

WINGATE & FINCHLEY

Finally we have a unique 'PAY WHAT YOU WANT' deal being offered by this north London club. Concord Rangers provide the opposition for this Isthmian Premier game at Summers Lane. To clarify, this offer is open to ALL SUPPORTERS so you can give as little or as much as you want. Normal admission for adults is £10 so give generously and hopefully you'll be rewarded. This is a ground I've spent a lot of time at over the last year or so - it has an unusual art deco stand, are fine playing surface and some great views over the local area. DEAL INFO

As already mentioned, there are many other games on this weekend including several in the FA Vase. It is very hard, virtually impossible, for clubs who play in this to offer admission deals but don't despair as most of them don't charge more than a fiver to get in which is less than some of the clubs above. The same can be said for most clubs playing in leagues at Level 9 or 10 (Combined Counties, Essex Senior, Kent League, Spartan South Midlands etc) so don't be put off.

If you're still not sure where to go, here's a list of clubs that are nearest to the Premier League or Championship ground you might normally spend your Saturday afternoons at and are hosting on Non-League Day:

Premier League

Arsenal - Haringey & Waltham Development

Chelsea - Fisher

Fulham - Raynes Park Vale

QPR - Hendon

Tottenham Hotspur - Haringey & Waltham Development

West Ham United - Clapton

Championship

Charlton Athletic - Meridian

Crystal Palace - Tooting & Mitcham United

Millwall - Bethnal Green United

Watford - Oxhey Jets

Please note, all these clubs are closest as the crow flies so some may in reality take longer to get to than some which the 'Non-League Day match finder' deems to be further away.

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter oremail.

About Me

I'm a QPR fan and follower of Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League.
In 2010 I set up Non-League Day to help promote semi-professional and grassroots football. I'm hoping that TLFG will help provide a similar boost for football clubs around the capital.
I also worked at BBC Sport for 10 years before it relocated to Salford but decided not to go, such was my love of London.